Minnesota Wild sign free agent from UMass

The Minnesota Wild have signed Casey Wellman, a sophomore center who had 23 goals and 22 assists for the University of Massachusetts this season, to a free-agent contract for two seasons, general manager Chuck Fletcher announced today.

The current season will be the first of the two, meaning the contract expires after the 2010-11 season.

The 6-foot-1 Wellman, 22, was undrafted as an 18-year-old and was "highly sought after" once UMass' season ended, Fletcher said in a statement. "We are excited he chose to sign with us."

It's uncertain whether Wellman will be in tonight's lineup when the Wild play host to Edmonton. The speedy 185-pounder is a Castro Valley, Calif., native.

If the Wild reach the NHL playoffs this season, he will not be eligible to participate.

Minnesota also recalled defenseman Justin Falk from the Houston Aeros of the American Hockey League. The 6-5 Falk, 21, had eight points in 64 games for the Aeros.